Latest news with #TupaiKing
New Paper
17-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
'Tupai King' set to claim the crown in the world of premium durian
Move aside, Musang King and Black Thorn, as the "squirrel" (tupai in Malay) has leapt into the durian kingdom and is here to claim the crown. Meet Tupai King, a bold contender in the world of premium durian, already making waves as the next big variant of the "King of Fruits". Despite its being relatively new to the market, buyers should not be deceived by its unassuming, pale-yellow flesh tinged with bluish-black tones as its flavour profile is anything but ordinary, said farmer Chew Chee Wan. "It has a rich, creamy texture layered with deep bittersweet flavours, nutty undertones and subtle fermented notes." Mr Chew discovered the unique durian 20 years ago in Penang's Sungai Ara neighbourhood and immediately knew it was something special. "The first time I tasted the fruit, I found it to be very good. Right away, I saw huge potential and value in Tupai King," he said. "I shared it with other farmers, but many were hesitant, since (the) Musang King and Black Thorn (varieties) were already dominating the market." Today, thanks to its limited production and exceptional flavour, Tupai King has become highly sought after. "Luckily, I discovered it early, and I now have about 50 mature trees on my farm," said Mr Chew. He added that the variety was officially registered with the Agriculture Department in 2021 under the name Tupai 226, with the cultivar code D214. The name Tupai King, meaning "Squirrel King", was inspired by Mr Chew's durian shop, Cap Tupai. The 2025 durian season is expected to kick off in late May, with Tupai King anticipated to be a sensation once the fruits hit stalls from mid-June up till end-August. Another orchard owner, Mr Eric Yeap, believes Tupai King is poised to reign supreme this durian season. He said it now fetches nearly double the price of Musang King and Black Thorn, with current prices at around RM130 (S$39) a kg, compared with RM80 for Musang King and RM90 for Black Thorn. "When exported to markets like Hong Kong, Tupai King can fetch up to RM250 per kg," he added. Mr Yeap owns seven orchards covering about 53ha in the Teluk Bahang suburb in George Town. Out of his more than 2,000 trees, just 80 are Tupai King, with only 20 mature enough to bear fruit. "Each fruit weighs between 1.8kg and 2.5kg. "But last year, I had one that tipped the scales at 3.4kg," he said with a smile. Despite its rising fame, Mr Yeap admits Tupai King's appeal may not be universal. "The fruit looks unattractive, with its rugged, weathered husk that can be off-putting," he said. "The flesh inside can appear pale, yet dark, with a pronounced bitterness that not everyone may appreciate. "It also has a strong alcoholic aftertaste that enhances the flavour's depth but can leave your tongue with a numb sensation." This season, however, has been challenging for many durian farmers because of erratic weather. "Continuous heavy rain during the flowering season caused many buds to fall prematurely," said Mr Yeap. "I'm expecting a 30 per cent to 40 per cent drop in yield compared with last year."
Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
‘Tupai King' set to claim the crown in the world of premium durian
Orchard owner Eric Yeap believes Tupai King is poised to reign supreme this durian season. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 'Tupai King' set to claim the crown in the world of premium durian GEORGE TOWN - Move aside Musang King and Black Thorn, as the squirrel (Tupai in Malay) has leapt into the durian kingdom and is here to claim the crown. Meet Tupai King, a bold contender in the world of premium durian, already making waves as the next big variant of the 'King of Fruits'. Despite being a relatively new entry to the market, do not be deceived by its unassuming pale yellow flesh tinged with bluish-black tones as it holds a flavour profile that is anything but ordinary, said farmer Chew Chee Wan. 'It has a rich creamy, texture layered with deep bittersweet flavours, nutty undertones and subtle fermented notes.' Mr Chew first discovered the unique durian 20 years ago in Penang's Sungai Ara and immediately knew it was something special. 'The first time I tasted the fruit, I found it to be very good. Right away, I saw huge potential and value in Tupai King. 'I shared it with other farmers, but many were hesitant, since Musang King and Black Thorn were already dominating the market,' he said. Today, thanks to its limited production and exceptional flavour, Tupai King has become highly sought after. 'Luckily, I discovered it early, and I now have about 50 mature trees on my farm,' said Mr Chew. He added that the variety was officially registered with the Agriculture Department in 2021 under the name Tupai 226, with the cultivar code D214. The name Tupai King, meaning 'Squirrel King', was inspired by Mr Chew's durian shop, Cap Tupai. The 2025 durian season is expected to kick off in late May, with Tupai King anticipated to be a sensation once the fruits hit stalls from mid-June through August. Another orchard owner Eric Yeap believes Tupai King is poised to reign supreme this durian season. He said the durian now fetches nearly double the price of Musang King and Black Thorn, with current prices around RM130 (S$169) per kg, compared to RM80 for Musang King and RM90 for Black Thorn. 'When exported to markets like Hong Kong, Tupai King can fetch up to RM250 per kg,' he added. Yeap, owns seven orchards covering about 53ha in Teluk Bahang. Out of his over 2,000 trees, just 80 are Tupai King, with only 20 mature enough to bear fruit. 'Each fruit weighs between 1.8kg and 2.5kg. 'But last year, I had one that tipped the scales at 3.4kg,' he said with a smile. Despite its rising fame, Mr Yeap admits Tupai King's appeal may not be universal. 'The fruit looks unattractive with its rugged, weathered husk that can be off-putting. 'The flesh inside can appear pale yet dark, with a pronounced bitterness that not everyone may appreciate. 'It also has a strong, alcoholic aftertaste that enhances the flavour's depth but can leave your tongue with a numb sensation,' Mr Yeap said. This season, however, has been challenging for many durian farmers due to erratic weather. 'Continuous heavy rain during the flowering season caused many buds to fall prematurely. 'I'm expecting a 30% to 40% drop in yield compared to last year.' THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
All hail Tupai King, a rising star in the durian world
Eric Yeap has been growing Tupai King – a variety fast earning the nickname 'aristocrat of durians' – for the past five years. (Bernama pics) GEORGE TOWN : On the misty hills of Penang, a new king is rising – one with a creamy bite, a golden hue, and a name that's stirring excitement among devotees near and far. Known as the 'Tupai King', this premium variety of the King of Fruits is fast earning the nickname 'the aristocrat of durians', thanks to its exceptional flavour, rich aroma, and exclusive price tag. With prices reaching up to RM130 per kg, Tupai King now claims the title of the most expensive local durian on the market, surpassing even household favourites like Musang King and Black Thorn. Durian grower Eric Yeap, who manages seven orchards spanning 53.4ha from Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau on Penang island, describes Tupai King as 'egg-shaped with a greenish-brown husk, rounded at the base and tapering to a point'. 'Although Tupai King trees have been around for five to six years, its popularity has truly soared in the last two,' he told Bernama recently. Yeap said the fruit has striking orange-yellow flesh with a moderate balance of bitterness, creaminess, and aroma – all the traits durian lovers find irresistible. 'The appeal has gone international. Fans from Singapore and China now actively seek out Tupai King, with some even contacting me directly once durian season begins. Some buyers fly in just to taste it at the source,' he said. Despite its rising fame, supply remains limited: most growers, including Yeap himself, have only begun planting Tupai King in recent years. 'I started five years ago, and my first yield was just two years back. Right now, I only have about 20 Tupai King trees,' he said, adding that he plans to increase this number to meet growing demand. He said he is also exporting Tupai King to Hong Kong, where prices are significantly higher. Still, Yeap will make sure part of his harvest is reserved for the local market, where loyal customers eagerly await the season. 'There's already a base of regular buyers; among true durian fans, that sharp sweet-bitter profile is pure bliss,' he said. Yeap expects commercial-scale production of Tupai King to take another three to four years, as more farmers across the country begin to cultivate this high-end variety. 'It's a long-term investment, but the payoff looks promising,' he added. However, not all is smooth sailing: recent climate changes, especially heavier-than-usual rainfall, are affecting flower blooms and may reduce this season's yield by up to 30%. 'The season started later this year, and overall fruit production is down,' Yeap noted. On average, his orchards usually produce up to a tonne of durian daily, with 20% exported overseas. Even with possible price increases, Yeap insists the quality justifies the cost. 'Durian from Penang, particularly Balik Pulau, is famous for its unique taste, texture and aroma. You're not just buying fruit; you're buying an experience.'
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Tupai King' set to claim the crown
Climbing to the top: Yeap with a Tupai King durian from his orchard in Teluk Bahang, Penang. GEORGE TOWN: Move aside Musang King and Black Thorn, as the squirrel has leapt into the durian kingdom and is here to claim the crown. Meet Tupai King, a bold contender in the world of premium durian, already making waves as the next big variant of the 'King of Fruits'. Despite being a relatively new entry to the market, do not be deceived by its unassuming pale yellow flesh tinged with bluish-black tones as it holds a flavour profile that is anything but ordinary, said farmer Chew Chee Wan. 'It has a rich creamy, texture layered with deep bittersweet flavours, nutty undertones and subtle fermented notes.' Chew first discovered the unique durian 20 years ago in Sungai Ara and immediately knew it was something special. 'The first time I tasted the fruit, I found it to be very good. Right away, I saw huge potential and value in Tupai King. 'I shared it with other farmers, but many were hesitant, since Musang King and Black Thorn were already dominating the market,' he said. Today, thanks to its limited production and exceptional flavour, Tupai King has become highly sought after. 'Luckily, I discovered it early, and I now have about 50 mature trees on my farm,' said Chew. He added that the variety was officially registered with the Agriculture Department in 2021 under the name Tupai 226, with the cultivar code D214. The name Tupai King, meaning 'Squirrel King', was inspired by Chew's durian shop, Cap Tupai. This year's durian season is expected to kick off in late May, with Tupai King anticipated to be a sensation once the fruits hit stalls from mid-June through August. Another orchard owner, Eric Yeap, believes Tupai King is poised to reign supreme this durian season. He said the durian now fetches nearly double the price of Musang King and Black Thorn, with current prices around RM130 per kg, compared to RM80 for Musang King and RM90 for Black Thorn. 'When exported to markets like Hong Kong, Tupai King can fetch up to RM250 per kg,' he added. Yeap, owns seven orchards covering about 53ha in Teluk Bahang. Out of his over 2,000 trees, just 80 are Tupai King, with only 20 mature enough to bear fruit. 'Each fruit weighs between 1.8kg and 2.5kg. 'But last year, I had one that tipped the scales at 3.4kg,' he said with a smile. Despite its rising fame, Yeap admits Tupai King's appeal may not be universal. 'The fruit looks unattractive with its rugged, weathered husk that can be off-putting. 'The flesh inside can appear pale yet dark, with a pronounced bitterness that not everyone may appreciate. 'It also has a strong, alcoholic aftertaste that enhances the flavour's depth but can leave your tongue with a numb sensation,' Yeap said. This season, however, has been challenging for many durian farmers due to erratic weather. 'Continuous heavy rain during the flowering season caused many buds to fall prematurely. 'I'm expecting a 30% to 40% drop in yield compared to last year.'
Malay Mail
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Weather delays Penang durian season, yield down 30pc; new Tupai King, Cenderawasih hybrids in focus, says farmowner
GEORGE TOWN, May 7 — There will be fewer durians in Penang this season and this could drive prices up, according to a durian farm owner. Eric Yeap of 8321 Durian Plantation said that recent bouts of uncertain weather and rain have led to fewer fruits on durian trees. 'The season also started late this year as usually the season starts in late April but we are only starting to get the early batches of durians now,' he said in an interview with Malay Mail recently. He said this year the number of durians will be about 30 per cent less compared to last year. 'Due to less durians, the prices may go up slightly, but it won't be overly expensive,' he said. Yeap, who has seven durian farms in Penang, said his farms produce about one ton of durians each day. According to him, the prices of durians ranged between RM15 and RM150 per kilogramme. 'Kampung durians are now between RM8 and RM15 per kilogramme depending on the types available,' he said. Currently topping the list of the most expensive durian hybrids is the recently registered Tupai King durian. Eric Yeap displays the Tupai King durians. — Pictures courtesy of Penang Agricultural Department and Eric Yeap Yeap, whose farm has a few of the hybrid trees, said the prices for Tupai King is now at RM150 per kilogramme. 'It's known for its bitter with slight alcoholic taste and it was registered about two years ago by another farm in Balik Pulau,' he said. He said now Black Thorn ranked second while Musang King ranked third in terms of prices. A check at the state agricultural department revealed that there are still very few farms with matured Tupai King trees. 'This is why it is expensive because it's new, with very little production but high demand,' the spokesman said. He said last year another new hybrid was also registered by another farm in Balik Pulau, called the Cenderawasih. The new hybrid has pinkish flesh, unlike the usual milky white, yellow or orange flesh of most hybrids in Penang. 'This hybrid is still not stable yet, with very little fruits, so we are not going all out to promote it yet,' he said. He said even the taste for the Cenderawasih durian varied between fruits from the same tree. 'This meant it's not stable yet, so it will take a few years for it to stabilise and mature for us to promote it,' he said. This year, the Penang durian season starts in mid-May and is expected to end by late July or early August.
